Antitragicus
Ear · Head & Neck
The Antitragicus is found among the Ear muscles of the Head & Neck. Its origin is Outer part of the antitragus, and it inserts onto Cauda helicis and antihelix. Functionally, it modifies the shape of the auricle (vestigial). Innervation is provided by the Posterior auricular branch of facial nerve (CN VII).
Origin, Insertion, Action & Nerve
Origin
Outer part of the antitragus
Insertion
Cauda helicis and antihelix
Action
Modifies the shape of the auricle (vestigial)
Nerve
Posterior auricular branch of facial nerve (CN VII)
Attachments explained
The Antitragicus is defined first by where it attaches. Its origin is the more fixed anchor, usually the proximal or more stable end that stays put during contraction, while its insertion is the more mobile point that is pulled toward the origin when the muscle shortens.
Origin
Outer part of the antitragus
Insertion
Cauda helicis and antihelix
Action & function
When the Antitragicus contracts, it produces the following movement: Modifies the shape of the auricle (vestigial).
As part of the Ear group of the Head & Neck, it works alongside neighbouring muscles to generate smooth, coordinated movement and to stabilise the structures it acts on.
Nerve supply & clinical relevance
The Antitragicus receives its nerve supply from the Posterior auricular branch of facial nerve (CN VII).
Because a muscle can only contract when its nerve is intact, injury to the Posterior auricular branch of facial nerve can weaken or paralyse the Antitragicus, impairing the movements it normally produces (modifies the shape of the auricle (vestigial)). This is why knowing the innervation is central to localising nerve lesions in clinical practice.
How to study the Antitragicus (the OIANS method)
OIANS stands for Origin, Insertion, Action and Nerve, the four facts that uniquely define every skeletal muscle. To learn the Antitragicus, work through them in order: picture its origin, trace the muscle to its insertion, reason out the action that shortening between those two points must create, then add the nerve that drives it.
Most students remember the Antitragicus fastest by linking its action back to its attachments rather than memorising each fact in isolation. Once the origin and insertion make sense, the action usually follows logically.
Antitragicus quick facts
- Region
- Head & Neck
- Group
- Ear
- Origin
- Outer part of the antitragus
- Insertion
- Cauda helicis and antihelix
- Action
- Modifies the shape of the auricle (vestigial)
- Nerve
- Posterior auricular branch of facial nerve (CN VII)
- Spinal roots
- —
Frequently asked questions
Where is the Antitragicus located?
The Antitragicus is a muscle of the Ear group, located in the Head & Neck.
What is the origin of the Antitragicus?
Outer part of the antitragus
What is the insertion of the Antitragicus?
Cauda helicis and antihelix
What movements does the Antitragicus produce?
Modifies the shape of the auricle (vestigial)
What nerve supplies the Antitragicus?
Posterior auricular branch of facial nerve (CN VII)
Is the Antitragicus free to study in OIANS?
The Antitragicus is always free to browse. Its full origin, insertion, action and nerve details are open to everyone in the Muscle Directory. Quiz and Flashcard practice for the Head & Neck is part of the one-time Lifetime upgrade, though; only the Upper Limb decks are free to test yourself on.
Related muscles
Study the Antitragicus
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